Andhra Pradesh has recorded 12 COVID-19 cases and four deaths since June 26, according to State health officials. Authorities clarified that the fatalities involved elderly patients with serious underlying health conditions, and COVID-19 was not the sole cause of death in every case. Officials emphasized that the current situation remains under control and there is no reason for public panic. Hospitals have been instructed to maintain surveillance, ensure adequate preparedness, and continue testing when necessary. Citizens have been advised to follow basic hygiene practices, seek medical attention if symptomatic, and remain informed through official health updates. (PC: The Hindu)

Scientists at the University of Oxford will soon begin human trials of a new Ebola vaccine in the UK. The vaccine targets the Bundibugyo strain, which is spreading in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The study will include 50 healthy adults aged 18 to 55. Volunteers are being recruited, and vaccinations will begin after regulatory approval. The vaccine was developed only weeks after the outbreak was declared. More than 1,900 Ebola cases and over 700 deaths have been reported in the DRC. Researchers hope the vaccine will help control the outbreak and protect people from the deadly disease. (PC: Reuters)

India has launched Awiqli, a once-weekly insulin treatment for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, offering a new option to help manage blood sugar levels. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the insulin is designed to reduce the number of injections from 365 to 52 a year, potentially improving treatment adherence and convenience for patients. Doctors say the therapy provides blood sugar control comparable to daily basal insulin while maintaining a similar safety profile. The launch marks a significant step in diabetes care, although patients should use the medication only under medical supervision and follow their doctor's advice.  

India has launched Awiqli, a once-weekly insulin treatment for adults with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, offering a new option to help manage blood sugar levels. Developed by Novo Nordisk, the insulin is designed to reduce the number of injections from 365 to 52 a year, potentially improving treatment adherence and convenience for patients. Doctors say the therapy provides blood sugar control comparable to daily basal insulin while maintaining a similar safety profile. The launch marks a significant step in diabetes care, although patients should use the medication only under medical supervision and follow their doctor's advice.  

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are investigating a suspected Ebola outbreak after at least 30 people died in a refugee camp, raising fears that the virus could be spreading rapidly. Medical teams have been deployed to contain the situation, trace contacts, and conduct laboratory tests to confirm the cause of the deaths. The outbreak has heightened concerns due to crowded living conditions and limited healthcare resources in the camp. International health agencies are closely monitoring developments and coordinating with Congolese authorities to prevent a wider public health crisis across the region. (PC: Reuters)

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard released newly declassified records alleging former NIAID chief Anthony Fauci influenced government assessments on COVID-19 origins and maintained close contact with intelligence officials during reviews of the pandemic. The ODNI claims communications, whistleblower complaints and intelligence records raise questions about Fauci’s testimony to Congress, gain-of-function research funding linked to the Wuhan Institute of Virology, and the role of NIAID-funded scientists in assessments challenging the lab-leak theory. The documents also cite allegations that analysts supporting a laboratory-origin hypothesis faced professional repercussions. Fauci has previously denied covering up COVID-19 origins. The disclosures intensify a long-running debate over the pandemic’s beginnings.

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has released declassified COVID-19 records alleging former NIAID chief Anthony Fauci played a role in shaping US government assessments on the virus’s origins. The ODNI claims the documents reveal Fauci’s interactions with intelligence officials and scientists during reviews of whether COVID-19 emerged naturally or from a laboratory-related incident. The agency alleges some communications conflict with Fauci’s 2024 congressional testimony and references whistleblower complaints regarding gain-of-function research. Additional whistleblower claims suggest analysts supporting a lab-leak theory faced professional repercussions. The disclosures intensify ongoing debate over COVID-19 origins, intelligence assessments, transparency, accountability and pandemic-era decision-making in Washington.

A fresh Nipah virus case has been confirmed in Kerala's Kozhikode district, where a 43-year-old man from Ramanattukara remains in critical condition and is receiving treatment on ventilator support at Kozhikode Medical College. Health authorities have launched an extensive containment operation, tracing 77 contacts linked to the patient, including healthcare workers, family members, friends, and colleagues. Fifteen individuals identified as high-risk contacts have been quarantined and placed under close observation. The Kerala government has heightened surveillance and strengthened public health measures to prevent further spread. Officials are continuing investigations to determine the source of the infection. (PC: The Hindu)

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced a £386 million ($518 million) six-month plan to fight the growing Ebola outbreak in Africa. The programme will run from June to November in partnership with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention. Uganda reported three new Ebola cases and one additional death on Friday, bringing its total cases to 19. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, more than 380 confirmed cases and at least 63 deaths have been recorded. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the outbreak can be contained with strong political support, funding and community cooperation. (PC: Reuters, AP)

US health officials have warned that the current Ebola outbreak in parts of Central Africa shows worrying signs that it could escalate to levels similar to the devastating 2014 epidemic. According to reports, health surveillance data indicates rising infections in multiple regions, raising concerns about weak containment systems and cross-border transmission risks. Experts say delayed detection, limited healthcare infrastructure, and mobility across affected areas could accelerate the spread if urgent interventions are not strengthened. International health agencies are closely monitoring the situation and urging rapid response measures, including contact tracing, vaccination efforts, and improved coordination to prevent a wider regional health crisis. (PC: AFP)